Transform South Jersey consisted of three program elements
- Implementation of the Community Heart and Soul model in each of the six communities
- Establishment of an endowed community fund in each of the six communities
- Creation of the Transform South Jersey network, a regional community of practice
This work was predicated on the belief that neighbors hold the heart and soul of South Jersey communities.
Through the Transform South Jersey initiative, the Community Foundation of South Jersey supported neighbors in building capital for their places and applying themselves and directing civic energy to shape the future of communities by creating a shared sense of belonging, identifying and supporting neighbors to exercise leadership, orientating local decision-making to resident action, and enriching available local capital to create prosperity.
From 2019 – 2024, CFSJ worked with neighbors in six communities, each with a population of less than 50,000 persons.
The Foundation invested in: Downe Township, Hammonton, Salem, Willingboro, Winslow, and Woodbury to complete a Heart & Soul planning program provided by the Orton Family Foundation.
Moreover, CFSJ supported each community to build an endowment of permanent assets to make grants to items that matter most to neighbors in support of their Heart & Soul plan.
